Data belongs to all of us.
August 15, 2026
In case you missed it, on July 30, 2026 we hosted the 2026 National Arts Service Organizations Survey Launch Party. During the event we shared a brief overview on the history of the research study and what we have learned to date, provided a first look at the 2026 National ASO Survey, and shared a discussion featuring Gonzalo Casals of the Culture and Arts Policy Institute and Voices for Creative New York on the importance of building open data infrastructure for the arts sector.
Our sector lacks accessible and affordable data infrastructure, making it difficult to collect, aggregate, and share data. Without open data systemic problems can look like individual organizational failures. That’s why it's important our sector begins to think beyond the data each organization needs and instead consider how data can function as a public utility helping us tell our stories and mobilize.
“The reality is that hard data helps you understand things and mobilize people and convince people to be mobilized, and then there is the curiosity. We all need to start asking questions about how the system works or doesn’t work in order for [us] to find solutions.”
SURVEY PROGRESS
Our goal is to to receive 1,063 completed surveys, which represents 25% of our known universe of 4,250 ASOs operating in the United States today. To monitor live data updates, including the geographic location, budget size, and artistic discipline of survey respondents to date, we’ve created a Live Survey Progress Bar. Visit the 2026 National ASO Survey Response page for real time updates.
Image Description: This image illustrates a survey completion progress bar, including surveys completed to date relative to the response goal of 1,063 and study universe of 4,025. It also notes how many days are left in the open survey period, which ends October 9, 2026.
We've had 25 surveys submitted so far! At this rate, we'll need 19 surveys per day to reach our goal before the survey period ends. Make sure your organization gets counted!
To check out more live data updates, including the geographic location, budget size, and artistic discipline of survey respondents to date, visit the 2026 National ASO Survey Response page.
OUR NEXT SURVEY TAKING PARTY: AUGUST 26, 2026
Survey Taking Parties are 60-minute virtual Zoom sessions designed as informal, drop-in office hours. Organizations can complete their surveys in real time with live help from the ADC Consulting team.
Registration is free and required.
NEED HELP TAKING THE SURVEY?
There are several ways you can get help:
Download a Google Doc version of the survey to prepare your answers and collaborate with your colleagues before submitting.
Check out the Frequently Asked Questions.
Email us your questions at research@consultingadc.com. A member of the ADC Consulting team will get back to you within approximately 2–3 business days.
You can also visit the ASO Research Page to learn more about the multi-phase research study this survey is a part of.
REMEMBER: The survey will collect responses through October 9, 2026 (one per organization).
